Food Technical Manager

We’re looking for a Food Technical Manager to lead the safety, legality, and quality of our Co-op products, while helping to develop technical talent across our team.

In this role, you’ll provide food technical leadership and expertise across a diverse range of products, making sure products meet the highest food safety, quality, and compliance standards.

Working closely with suppliers and colleagues across our Buying, Product Development, and Quality teams, you’ll support our ambition to become the most trusted brand in the convenience market.

As well as managing key supplier relationships and driving technical quality, you’ll play an important part in coaching and developing one of our talented Food Technologists.

What you’ll do

• Lead and champion food safety, legality, and quality across your product categories
• Line manage one of our Food Technologists and support them to deliver across their assigned categories
• Make sure all Co-op products and processes meet food safety requirements, legislations, and technical standards
• Manage the development of safe, sustainable, and resilient food systems across our supply chain
• Build and maintain strong supplier and partner relationships, providing support, guidance, challenge, and escalation where needed
• Work collaboratively with teams across Co-op to support the development and launch of new products
• Identify, assess, and manage food technical and product-related risks
• Make informed decisions on product approval, rejecting products and/or sites that don’t meet agreed standards
• Make sure suppliers are audited and operating in line with Co-op technical policies and expectations
• Stay up-to-date with legislative and food policy developments, making sure changes are implemented successfully

What you’ll bring

• A food safety qualification (e.g., HACCP) and/or a degree in Food Science or related subject
• Significant experience within food manufacturing, retail food technical, or a similar technical food environment
• A strong understanding of food safety, quality assurance, risk management, and regulatory compliance
• Knowledge of microbiology and nutrition
• Experience influencing and challenging suppliers to maintain high food standards
• Good communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or managing colleagues
• A full UK driver’s licence

Benefits

• A company car
• Private healthcare
• An annual bonus scheme (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme